Charles Oliveira Outraged Accuses Referee of Covering Up Michael Chandler: Illegal Hits Go Unpunished!

Oliveira Slams Referee’s Inaction as Chandler’s Illegal Strikes Go Unpunished – A Furious Post-Fight Outburst You Won’t Want to Miss!

Oliveira Overcomes Challenges to Secure Victory at UFC 309

Charles Oliveira fought through intense adversity to defeat Michael Chandler at UFC 309 in New York this past Saturday. Despite enduring several illegal strikes and a tough final round, Oliveira clinched the win by decision, marking his fifth career UFC decision in 34 appearances. Although the victory was important, the former lightweight champion was far from satisfied with the handling of the fight, particularly in regard to Chandler’s actions inside the cage and the referee’s inaction.

Oliveira Criticizes Chandler’s Fouls and Referee’s Failure to Act

At the post-fight press conference, Oliveira expressed his frustration over Chandler’s fouls and referee Keith Peterson’s failure to take action. Although Oliveira wasn’t keen on directly criticizing his opponent, he made it clear that the illegal strikes should have been penalized. “I don’t want to criticize anyone, but I was hit too many times behind the head. He grabbed the cage a lot, I was poked in the eye too many times,” Oliveira explained. “We’re becoming more professional every time, and we don’t need any of that.”

Referee’s Lax Approach Stirs Oliveira’s Discontent

Oliveira was particularly upset with the referee’s lack of severity. He emphasized that, despite repeatedly alerting Peterson about the fouls, the official seemed to ignore the illegal actions. “I told him many times what was going on, and he stood there looking like nothing was happening,” Oliveira stated, highlighting his belief that the referee should have acted decisively to maintain control of the fight.

Oliveira’s Road to Title Contender Status Despite Injury

Despite the difficult circumstances, Oliveira managed to rebound from a close loss to Arman Tsarukyan earlier this year, earning a No. 1 contender spot for a future title shot. He is now eyeing the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated title fight, expected in early 2025. Oliveira also disclosed that he was battling a knee injury during his camp, but with the help of his team, he managed to push through the pain and stay focused on securing the win.

Oliveira Reflects on Growth and Focuses on Future Goals

Staying true to his resilient mindset, Oliveira was quick to focus on his future, stating, “I come here looking for the finish and hunt at all times.” He reflected on his evolution as a fighter, noting how his approach has matured over the years. “In the past, I would have rushed for the submission or exploded to get a better position, but now I just wanted to win.” While Oliveira was pleased with his victory, his dissatisfaction with the referee’s oversight suggests that for him, there’s still room for improvement in officiating standards in the sport of MMA.